This is a letter that appeared in the syndicated column, "Hints from Heloise" on Saturday, September 2nd, 2005.

Microchip helps rescue stray beagle

    Dear Heloise:

I can't say enough good about the wonders of microchipping pets.  Recently, there was a stray beagle in our neighborhood for several days.  Rather  than have someone call the dog warden or, worse yet, have the poor thing hit by a car, I brought her home.  I called our newspaper and placed an ad, then called my vet and the shelter to see if anyone had reported her missing.

Although no one had, the staff at my vet's office recommended that I bring her in so they could scan her to see if she had a microchip.  Fortunately, she did have one, and in a matter of minutes, I found out her owner's name and phone number.  It turns out that she lived in the next county, approximately 20 miles from my home.  I contacted her owner and was able to return her that very day.  What could have been a very sad situation turned into a very happy ending.

Although she did have a collar with her license and ID tag on it, she had slipped out of it like so many dogs can.

Please encourage your readers that if they have cherished pets that do not have a microchip, take them to their veterinarian and have one implanted.

Trisa Liles, Hamilton, Ohio

Heloise Says:  A pet story with a happy ending!  Microchips are a good investment for all parties.

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